This Sunday is the first Sunday of the new church year which marks the beginning of Advent. "Advent" means "coming." The color for this season in many churches is blue. I have a blue stole that I wear over my alb that shows the three "comings" of Jesus. The stole shows Christ's first coming as a tiny babe whose first bed was a manger...He comes to us today as He is truly present in the Sacrament of the Altar...He will come again on the Last Day to judge the living and the dead and to gather those who are His to bring us into His heavenly kingdom. Our worship will prepare us to celebrate the Lord's birth at Christmas but also remind us again to be watchful and ready for His coming.
Today, worship takes place at 5 pm. Deacon Danny Baker will lead worship and music will be offered by Pat Herman and her group. On Sunday, we worship at our usual times, 8 and 10:45 am. The sermon theme is "Walking in the Light." The Worship Ensemble has an original arrangement, written by Jon and Tim Gray, of "O Come, O Come, Emmanuel," which they will offer, an appropriate selection for the beginning of this new church year. And Bible study classes for all age groups will be held at 9:20 pm. Many are finding Pastor John Pope's study of the book of James to be very informative and helpful.
God be with you this weekend! Hope to see you at LICL!
